Physiological arousal elicited by sexual contact or by other erotic stimulation resulting in impulses being transmitted through the central nervous system.The impulses also trigger the release of sex hormones, dilation of the arteries supplying the genital areas, and inhibition of vasoconstrictor centers of the lumbar nerves.
    

concept

Two naked men taking penis toys out of a dishwasher; advertisement for safe sex to reduce the risk of HIV by the Core Program. Lithograph by Charles R. Moniz.

A lady buys some black garters to cheer up her sick husband. Wood engraving, c. 1900.

A man caresses a woman; representing the sense of touch. Engraving by A. Bosse after himself, c. 1650.

Jets of water spray naked young women on a bed; suggesting the connection between enemas and eroticism. Process print after an engraving by P.L. Auvray after J.H. Fragonard.

Sexual Arousal

Images

Catalogue

"Sex. Indoors at last"

A young woman in love clasps her hands against her heart; representing the sense of touch. Mezzotint by S.W. Reynolds, 1830, after C.-M. Dubufe.

How to achieve sexual ecstasy / by Stephan Gregory.

Two naked men taking penis toys out of a dishwasher; advertisement for safe sex to reduce the risk of HIV by the Core Program. Lithograph by Charles R. Moniz.

Rules for safe, potentially unsafe and unsafe sex to prevent AIDS. Colour lithograph.